Japanese Business Glossary

煩雑 (hanzatsu) refers to something that is complex, cumbersome, or complicated. This term is often used to describe processes, tasks, or situations that involve many intricate details and require considerable effort to manage or complete.

In a business context, a hanzatsu procedure might involve extensive paperwork, multiple steps, and strict regulations that need to be followed. The term can also apply to everyday situations where things are not straightforward and demand a lot of time and attention.

要望 (youbou) refers to a request, demand, or wish in Japanese. This term is used to express a desire or need for something specific from others, whether in personal, business, or public contexts.

In a business environment, customers may have specific youbou for products or services, such as particular features, quality standards, or delivery timelines. Employees might also express youbou to management, seeking changes in workplace conditions, job roles, or company policies. Addressing youbou effectively involves understanding the underlying needs and expectations, communicating clearly, and working towards satisfying these requests to build trust and improve relationships.

仕送り (shiokuri) refers to the practice of sending regular financial support to someone, typically a family member, who is living away from home. This often involves parents providing money to their children who are studying or working in a different city or country.

Shiokuri helps cover living expenses, tuition fees, and other necessities, ensuring that the recipient can focus on their studies or work without financial strain. It is a common practice in Japan, reflecting the strong sense of family responsibility and support.

死 (shi) refers to death, the end of life, and the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. In Japanese culture and society, death is approached with a blend of solemnity and respect, deeply influenced by religious and philosophical beliefs such as Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. The concept of shi encompasses both the physical aspect of dying and the spiritual journey that follows.

In Buddhism, which has a significant influence in Japan, death is seen as a transition to the next life in the cycle of rebirth. This belief encourages practices and rituals that honor the deceased and provide comfort to the living. Shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, emphasizes the purity and sacredness of life and death, often leading to rituals that purify the deceased's spirit.

Additionally, Confucian values stress filial piety and respect for ancestors, which is reflected in the customs surrounding death, such as funerals and memorial services. These rituals and beliefs aim to honor the deceased, provide solace to the bereaved, and ensure the proper passage of the soul.

介護施設 (kaigo shisetsu) refers to care facilities in Japan that provide support and services for the elderly and individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to aging, illness, or disability. These facilities are an essential part of Japan's healthcare and social welfare system, addressing the needs of an aging population.

There are various types of kaigo shisetsu, including nursing homes (特別養護老人ホーム, tokubetsu yougo roujin hoomu), which offer long-term care for those who require extensive assistance; day-service centers (デイサービスセンター, dei saabisu sentaa), where individuals can receive care and participate in activities during the day while living at home; and group homes (グループホーム, guruupu hoomu), which provide a more communal living environment for those with dementia or other conditions. These facilities aim to ensure the well-being and dignity of their residents by offering medical care, rehabilitation, daily living assistance, and social activities. The services are tailored to meet individual needs, promoting a higher quality of life for those who require ongoing care and support.

私用 (shiyou) refers to personal use or private use of something. It is commonly used to describe actions or items that are intended for individual purposes rather than for public or professional use. For instance, when an employee uses company resources like a phone, computer, or vehicle for personal matters rather than work-related tasks, this is considered shiyou. The term emphasizes the distinction between personal and official or public usage, often highlighting the context in which an action or object is being utilized. In many organizational settings, policies are established to regulate shiyou to ensure that resources are used efficiently and appropriately.